While it's soul-suckingly hot outside, inside, we'll cool down with bespoke cocktails made with muddled herbs, homemade bitters or locally sourced fruits, all while enjoying the company of some of the Valley's most charming mixologists.

This brings us to the Summer of Hotness. Each month, through September, we're bringing you the hottest nightlife scene-makers, including bartenders, dancers, bouncers and servers.

Without further ado, some of the hottest, friendliest bartenders here in the Valley:

Name: Amy Krieger

Age: 24.

Bar: Smashboxx, Scottsdale.

What's the most important skill(s) you need to be a bartender?

The ability to multitask is the most important skill set, especially at Smashboxx, because it's such a high-volume nightclub. Being able to communicate with anybody, and having the ability to dance on top of the bar with my co-workers are my favorite skills.

I rarely drink, but when I do it is in (Las) Vegas or San Diego. I love to travel and getting a drink at a new fun bar is always a blast!

What's the key to getting a great tip?

Smile. Your energy and attitude can be your biggest strength. When people are out, they want to have a good time, so I help create their fun experience.

Name: Julie Hillebrand-Tomey

Age: 32.

Bar: J&G Steakhouse, The Phoenician, Phoenix.

How long have you been a bartender?

This has been sort of a lifelong journey for me. I've been cooking since childhood, so flavors make sense to me. I started making Manhattans for my dad and I when I was 21. I learned some basic bartending when I turned 18 at a restaurant I was working at, but things got really serious when we opened J&G.

What's the most important skill you need to be a bartender?

The ability to multitask.

What cocktail best represents you and why?

Either a Corpse Reviver or the gin version of a French 75. Corpse Reviver for deep thought, French 75 all the time. Gin and champagne, botanical and sparkling.

Shaken, stirred, muddled or blended?

The two cocktails that have most impacted my thoughts on bar are stirred: the Manhattan and the Vesper.

Where do you like to go get a drink when you're not working?

Casablanca Lounge (in Scottsdale) for cocktails because they offer Ruinart Blanc de Blancs by the glass. Home is a great place to drink, and we have a great bar at J&G -- we can make almost anything you can dream up.

What's the key to getting a great tip?

Just serve people what they want to be served, take a hint. Some people want to chat, some don't. Some are looking for a fancy cocktail or great wine recommendation, some want a simple vodka and tonic.

Name: Elizabeth "Bebo" Hajec

Age: 23.

Bar: Salty Señorita, Scottsdale.

How long have you been a bartender?

About two months! They threw me behind the bar during spring training and I've been there, happily, since!

What's the most important skill(s) you need to be a bartender?

The abilities to multi-task and hold a conversation with anyone. Also, a firm grip and a quick wit always helps.

What cocktail best represents you and why?

I'd have to say a skinny margarita. Refreshing, sweet, no-nonsense and gets the job done.

Shaken, stirred, muddled or blended?

Definitely shaken. Everything's better with a little shake!

Where do you like to go get a drink when you're not working?

My couch with a glass of wine. But anywhere with a friendly staff and a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

What's the key to getting a great tip?

Smile. A smile goes a long way.

Name: Stephanie Pietz

Age: 25.

Bar: Shotgun Betty's, Scottsdale.

How long have to been a bartender?

Three years.

What's the most important skill(s) you need to be a bartender?

Being able to deal with people. You have to be personable, outgoing and witty in this business. You have to take the good with the bad and know how to speak to people. No one wants a bland bartender.

What cocktail best represents you and why?

A whipped cream stout: one shot of whipped cream vodka poured in a pint of Guinness. The boy in me is a huge beer drinker, and then there's the tiny bit of princess that wants something sweet. The tomboy is obviously more overpowering than the princess!

Shaken, stirred, muddled or blended?

None of the above. Go big or go home! It's all about the shooters.

Where do you like to go get a drink when you're not working?

I usually stop by Shotgun Betty's when I'm out and about, but Martini Ranch or the Lodge (both in Scottsdale) are a few of my favorite places to wet my whistle.

What's the key to getting a great tip?

It's all about the eye contact. Maybe throw in a little wink here or there. It doesn't always work, but doesn't hurt to try.

Name: Whitney Wilson

Age: 22.

Bar: American Junkie, Scottsdale.

How long have you been a bartender?

I have been a cocktail waitress at American Junkie for about three years now and just transitioned to bartending about two months ago.

What's the most important skill(s) you need to be a bartender?

Personality, customer service and patience. It's not always easy dealing with drunks!

What cocktail do you think best represents you and why?

I'm a Bloody Mary when I'm hungover, a shot of Don Julio when I'm ready to rage, a shot of Rumple Minze when I'm blacked out, and a glass of champagne at any time during the day.

Where do you like to go get a drink when you're not working?

Even when I'm not working, I find myself at American Junkie. I just can't get enough of the place -- it's like my second home.

What's the key to getting a great tip?

If I told you, then I would have to kill you. I can't give away my tricks!

A natural daiquiri with some kind of funky rum. Rum, lime and sugar. That's it. Fresh and simple.

Shaken, stirred, muddled or blended?

All of the above, as long as you're using fresh ingredients.

Where do you like to go get a drink when you're not working?

Shady's (in Phoenix). A dive bar with good booze and a juke box: I'm a happy girl.

What's the key to getting a great tip?

Teach something new. I like to get people to branch out and try something unique.

Name: Dolh "Like the Pineapple" Chompupong

Age: 29.

Bar: The Mint, Scottsdale.

How long have you been a bartender?

Since I could first walk to the refrigerator (we all have those uncles that would send us to the kitchen to grab a cold one). Professionally, three years.

What's the most important skill(s) you need to be a bartender?

To me, it's all about energy, attitude and job satisfaction. This is not so much a skill but mindset. Everything else is trainable.

What cocktail do you think best represents you and why?

When it's time to party, I prefer a good tequila or Fireball Whiskey and chased with champagne.

Shaken, stirred, muddled or blended?

How about all four? Someday I'll conjure up a drink that requires all methods and call it the "20 Minute Drink." Shaking, stirring, muddling, blending -- they're each important in their own right, but muddling and shaking are the most crucial to me.

Where do you like to go get a drink when you're not working?

Anywhere I'd choose to eat dinner. I eat out every meal of the week, so I enjoy my drinks with food. But when it's time to party, whether on or off the clock, it's always the Mint.

What's the key to getting a great tip?

Having the looks of Derek Zoolander and the build of a Spartan doesn't hurt. But if you weren't blessed with ridiculously good looks, then smile and be attentive.

Name:Joshua Ah Kuoi

Age: 26.

Bar: 32 Shea, Phoenix.

How long have you been a bartender?

I've been bartending for seven years, but in the last year, I have really been able to step outside the box at 32 Shea and play around with some mixology. I like experimenting with different ingredients, such as herbs from our garden and seasonal fruit to create unique twists on classic drinks.

What's the most important skill(s) you need to be a bartender?

Let's be honest. People have problems, and they tend to share them with bartenders. You have to be a good listener and genuinely care about your guests. You also have to know the right balance when making drinks. And, I can't forget, you have to multi-task like a pro.

Muddled. I love using the tool because it makes me feel like I'm customizing a handcrafted cocktail for each individual palate.

Where do you like to go get a drink when you're not working?

MercBar (Phoenix). They're bringing back classic cocktails, and they're putting a spotlight on the mixology trade.

What's the key to getting a great tip?

I'm one of the first people that guests see when they walk into 32 Shea, so I like to make a statement with what I wear. For me, it's important that I look stylish and professional every day. I think our guests really appreciate that I care about how I look.

Name: Connor Michael Casey

Age: 24.

Bar: Tilted Kilt, downtown Phoenix.

How long have you been a bartender?

Five years.

What's the most important skill you need to be a bartender?

The ability to let go of your ego. The bartender does not know all.

Shaken, stirred, muddled or blended?

Whiskey is to be stirred.

What's the key to getting a great tip?

Always be on the hunt to exceed expectations.

Name: Micah Olson

Age: 33.

Bar: Bar Crudo, Phoenix.

How long have you been a bartender?

Right around five years. Before I started bartending, I was a sommelier, which has a similar skill set, but you don't get a chance to create.

What's the most important skill you need to be a bartender?

People skills. You see all kinds in this business, and you have to be able to adapt.

What cocktail do you think best represents you and why?

I think the Sazerac best represents me. It is a cocktail rooted in tradition but not afraid of change.

Shaken, stirred, muddled or blended?

I'm a stirred-drink fan myself. Stirred drinks really let the liquor be the star of the show and are quite serious.

Where do you like to go get a drink when you're not working?

We are starting to get a great little collection of cocktail bars in this town. You can catch me grabbing a drink at Mabel's On Main, Citizen Public House, Casablanca Lounge (all in Scottsdale) or at my house.

What's the key to getting a great tip?

I just try to make friends with my guests. People who know you always tip the best.

Name: David Sodemann

Age: 25.

Bar: Z'Tejas, Scottsdale.

How long have you been a bartender?

A little over three years, but I have been in the industry for 10 years. I have been working mostly weekends to support myself while completing my bachelor's of science in landscape architecture from Arizona State University. Seven years of undergraduate school costs an arm, a leg and all your weekend nights.

What's the most important skill(s) you need to be a bartender?

Memory. Remembering drink recipes, spirit relationships, the names and preferences of regulars and that filthy joke from your uncle will not only increase your speed, but will allow your personality to come forth. Having a bad memory does have its perks though; you get the benefit of meeting new people everyday.

What cocktail do you think best represents you and why?

A shot of fruit-infused Patrón. I'm a bit strong, a bit sweet and I enjoy soaking in juice.

Shaken, stirred, muddled or blended?

Shaken. Works best for martinis and oversleeping.

Where do you like to go get a drink when you're not working?

A few of my favorite places are Four Peaks Brewery in Tempe, and Buffalo Chip Saloon in Cave Creek. My backyard is nice in the summer; we have a fairly decent house.

What's the key to getting a great tip?

Give them a tip first like "Plant your corn early this year." (Thanks, Dad, for the advice.)

Name: Tyson Buhler

Age: 28.

Bar: Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails, downtown Phoenix (opening June).

How long have you been a bartender?

Eight years.

What's the most important skill(s) you need to be a bartender?

Patience and a strong work ethic.

What cocktail do you think best represents you and why?

Mai Tai. It's a serious cocktail that doesn't take it self too seriously.

Shaken, stirred, muddled or blended?

Shaken. I really enjoy crisp, bright flavors and the balance of fresh citrus, sweetener and booze in a well-shaken cocktail.

Where do you like to go get a drink when you're not working?

Somewhere with good spirits, beer, and music -- nothing too crazy.

What's the key to getting a great tip?

Turning a guest on to a new cocktail or spirit that they fall in love with always does the trick!